D’Tigress defeats #3 ranked Australia to secure first Olympic win in 20 years.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress delivered an impressive performance, defeating the 3rd-ranked Australia 75-62 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Monday. Point guard Ezinne Kalu played a key role, leading the team coached by Rena Wakama to withstand a late surge from the Aussies. Despite holding a 13-point lead entering the third quarter, the Opals closed the gap. However, Okonkwo’s crucial three-pointer with four minutes left reignited the D’Tigress’ momentum, securing the win. This victory marks Nigeria’s first Olympic win since 2004 in Athens, where they beat South Korea in a classification match after elimination. The D’Tigress are set to face host France in their next Group B match on Thursday, followed by a game against world #5, Canada, next Monday.
Team Nigeria earns their first victory against Australia in Women’s Basketball. #Olympics pic.twitter.com/7kXIRrky3y
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 29, 2024
Team USA leads the medal count three days into the 2024 Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games in Paris have been eventful, with Team USA experiencing significant success just three days in. On Monday, the U.S. men’s gymnastics team earned its first medal in eight years, and the women’s basketball team secured their eighth consecutive gold medal. By Monday night, Team USA’s medal count had reached 20, with 3 gold, 8 silver, and 9 bronze, leading the overall medal tally. France followed closely with 16 medals (8 golds, 5 silvers, and 3 bronzes), while Japan topped the gold medal chart with 6 but ranked third in total medals with 12.
The United States leads with the most medals after 3 days in Paris 🇺🇸
Japan leads with 6 gold medals 🥇 pic.twitter.com/nl3gaoNTKy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 30, 2024
Atlético Madrid opens direct talks with Chelsea for Conor Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract. The English midfielder has attracted significant attention following his impressive performances in a struggling Chelsea team last season and now, sources confirm that Atlético Madrid has entered direct talks with Chelsea for Gallagher, who is their top transfer target this summer. The two clubs are reportedly negotiating a deal that could be worth up to £34 million plus add-ons. Chelsea is keen to cash in on Gallagher this summer rather than risk losing him as a free agent next year.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Atlético Madrid and Chelsea are now in direct talks for Conor Gallagher deal.
Negotiations underway for package worth around €35/40m add-ons included, requested by Chelsea.
Gallagher, on top of Atlético list as revealed in May — now getting closer. pic.twitter.com/1SFMadRGtD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2024
Wilson and Stewart powers Team USA to a 26 point win over Japan.
Entering the tournament as the favourites to win gold, Team USA made a strong start in their Olympic opener with a commanding 102-76 victory over Japan in a rematch of the 2021 gold medal game in Tokyo. The Americans showcased solid defense and offense, dominating both sides of the court and leading by as many as 32 points. They never trailed during the game and scored 64 points in the paint. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were instrumental in this effort, with Wilson scoring 24 points on 10 of 16 shooting and grabbing 13 rebounds, six of which were offensive. She also contributed four blocks. Stewart added 22 points and 8 rebounds. With this win, Team USA remains undefeated in Olympic play since 1992, aiming for their eighth consecutive gold.
56 consecutive Olympic wins for the 🇺🇸 #USABWNT! pic.twitter.com/q1AzosXZ5c
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 29, 2024
Chelsea ready to sign Victor Osimhen on a season-long loan with a buy option.
Victor Osimhen, who has a hefty £110 million ($142 million) release clause, is determined to leave Napoli, complicating negotiations. Although several clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), have shown interest in signing him, Chelsea appears to be the frontrunner. However, talks of a permanent transfer have stalled due to differences in player valuation between Chelsea and Napoli. Chelsea is reportedly in discussions with Napoli about a Loan deal for Osimhen, as Napoli is keen on reuniting Romelu Lukaku with Antonio Conte on a permanent basis. The proposed deal would involve Lukaku moving to Napoli permanently, while Osimhen would join Chelsea on a structured loan with an option to buy. Both clubs are actively negotiating to finalize an agreement that would see the players embark on new challenges for the 2024-25 season.
Chelsea are in talks to sign Victor Osimhen on a season-long loan with an option to buy… ✅ pic.twitter.com/wRLoAq66DJ
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) July 30, 2024